Green Vegetable Bugs

Catalogue Type

Plant Pests Catalogue

Scientific Name

Viridula nezara

Family

Pentatomidae

Distinguishing Characters

The adult males can reach a body length (from front to elytral apex) of about 12.1 millimetres (0.48 in), while females are bigger, reaching a size of about 13.1 millimetres (0.52 in). The body is bright green and shield-shaped and the eyes are usually reddish, but they may also be black. They differ from the similar green stink bug (Acrosternum hilare) by the shape of their scent gland openings, which are short and wide in N. viridula, and narrow and long in the green stink bug.

Host Crop

Green vegetables

Order

Hemiptera

Photo of Insect

Photo of Damaged Crop

Description

The most common vegetable bugs are the mealy, squash, and stink bugs. The three pests are well
known to pierce the stems and leaves and suck the sap, causing crop distortion and stunted growth.
They are pale pink, grey or white and popular in sheltered gardens.

CONTROL:
These bugs can be controlled by natural sprays such as garlic fire and predators such as wasps.
They can also be managed by methylated spirits, smothering oils, and physical methods such as
squeezing and crushing with hand